Buyer/Planner

The L.S. Starrett Company; Athol (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The L.S. Starrett Company is seeking a Purchaser/Material Planner to support operations by purchasing materials, components, and services.

You will plan and schedule materials to meet production needs and coordinate with Engineering and Production to align on material requirements. You will review MRP requirements, manage purchase orders, monitor inventory levels, and negotiate terms with suppliers to optimize costs and delivery.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field is required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2–3 years of purchasing and/or material planning experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP and inventory management.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; Oracle or SAP experience is a plus.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Purchase materials, components, equipment, supplies, and services needed to support operations.
• Plan and schedule materials to meet production requirements and customer demand.
• Review MRP requirements and place, manage, and reschedule purchase orders as needed.
• Monitor inventory levels and identify shortages, excess inventory, and aging inventory.
• Work with Engineering and Production to coordinate material requirements and schedules.
• Identify and evaluate suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and service.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and other supplier terms.
• Maintain accurate material, supplier, and planning information within the ERP/MRP system.
• Work with Receiving, Finance, and suppliers to resolve discrepancies.
• Support sourcing initiatives and supplier performance improvement.
• Track key metrics including inventory accuracy, supply performance, and obsolescence.

Skills

MRP knowledge

Inventory management

Negotiation

Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Oracle ERP

SAP ERP

Job description

For more than 145 years, Starrett has built a reputation for precision, quality, and craftsmanship. Today, we’re building on that legacy and looking for talented people to help shape what comes next.

What You’ll Do

• Purchase materials, components, equipment, supplies, and services needed to support operations.
• Plan and schedule materials to meet production requirements and customer demand.
• Review MRP requirements and place, manage, and reschedule purchase orders as needed.
• Monitor inventory levels and identify material shortages, excess inventory, and aging inventory.
• Work with Engineering and Production to coordinate material requirements and schedules.
• Identify and evaluate suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and service.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and other supplier terms.
• Maintain accurate material, supplier, and planning information within the ERP/MRP system.
• Work with Receiving, Finance, and suppliers to resolve receiving and invoice discrepancies.
• Support sourcing initiatives and supplier performance improvement.
• Track key metrics including inventory accuracy, inventory turns, supplier performance, and excess and obsolete inventory.
• Support Lean, quality, and EHS initiatives.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• 2–3 years of purchasing and/or material planning experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP and inventory management principles.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; Oracle or SAP experience is a plus.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Demonstrated negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with Production, Engineering, Finance, suppliers, and other cross-functional teams.
• APICS/CPIM certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to walk through office, manufacturing, and warehouse areas as needed.
• Ability to occasionally bend, reach, and stoop.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to wear required PPE while in manufacturing areas.

We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and taking ownership of purchasing and planning activities that directly support operational performance. Come join us!